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August 29, 2008  
EDUCATION CENTER: Knee Conditions
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    Osteochondritis Dissecans

    Description

    Three bones meet within the knee joint: the femur, or thighbone, the tibia, or shinbone, and the patella, or kneecap. Surrounding each of these bones is articular cartilage, the smooth, spongy tissue that allows the bones to glide fluidly against one another. Osteochondritis is the gradual softening and degeneration of the articular cartilage in the knee, causing the cartilage to flake from off the bone. Since loose flakes of cartilage increase friction inside the joint and allow bones to scrape against one another, the condition can be quite painful. Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) can occur in both children and adults.

    Symptoms

    If the cartilage remains attached to the bone, the symptoms include swelling and pain. Activity-induced pain and recurrent swelling are common symptoms. If the cartilage fractures off the bone, the loose fragment of cartilage in the joint can cause severe pain and swelling and can cause the knee to lock if it becomes lodged in the joint space.

    Cause and Risk Factors

    There is no universally accepted reason why OCD develops, nor are there specific risks to developing OCD. There may be an element of repeated trauma to the knee causing damage to the joint surface. Currently, this is only speculative.

    Treatment

    Your doctor will examine the lesion to determine the appropriate course of rehabilitation. The diagnosis is made from X-rays showing the lesion of the surface of the knee. Sometimes, an MRI is needed to see the damage in the underlying bone. Treatment is different for adolescents and adults. Younger patients may be treated with immobilization, which is not as effective in adults. If a large fragment is present and not detached in the joint, attempts at surgical repair may be necessary.

    Last updated: 26-Oct-01

    		   
     
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    On December 09, IAGH1790 posted:

    The IAGH project has expanded to include treatment for OCD. Read IAGH.COM for information on IAGH used to treat osteoarthritis. I will soon ...  

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